Will leave Kunduz if insecurity persists, warn traders

KUNDUZ CITY (Pajhwok): Traders in Kunduz say they will leave the province for safer areas if their security is not ensured and demands for illegal payments are not curbed.

The traders and chamber of commerce officials issued the warning at a press conference in Kunduz City, the provincial capital, on Tuesday.

Sayed Jalal, a businessman, said the security situation in Kunduz was deteriorating with each passing day and they could not work under such circumstances.

“The security problem must be resolved. The issues being faced by moneychangers and transporters must be addressed and demands for bribes on the highway must come to an end,” he added.

Matin Ibrahimkhel, another trader, said they had been severely affected by the recent blaze at the Islam Qala Port in western Herat province.

Other traders held similar views and warned of leaving Kunduz if their problems were not addressed on a priority basis.

Gul Mohammad Rajab, the chamber of commerce and industry director, asked the government to survey the losses of traders and provide them with necessary assistance.

Regarding the businessmen’s problems, police spokesman Inamuddin Rahmani told Pajhwok the security situation had improved compared to the past.

He urged businesspeople to share their issues and concerns with the security organs so they took necessary measures.

sa/mud